Ronald Koeman believes Ryan Bertrand’s big time experience with Chelsea has helped his Saints side deal with the pressures of their lofty Premier League position.

The left back bagged his first goal for the club to open the scoring as Saints defeated QPR 2-1 at St Mary’s to remain second in the top flight.

It was only the second goal of his entire league career, spanning 195 appearances since making his Football League debut for AFC Bournemouth in November 2006 as a teenager on loan from Chelsea.

Bertrand’s only other goal came in March 2010 during a season long loan spell with Reading.

Bertrand, who has joined on a season long loan from Stamford Bridge, has been a star performer in the early stages of the campaign.

Koeman has refused to compare him to £27m summer sale Luke Shaw – who finally made his competitive debut for Manchester United at the weekend against West Ham – but feels the knowledge Bertrand has gained from being at a big club has had a positive effect on his teammates.

“I can’t compare with Shaw because I don’t know a lot about Shaw,” said Koeman.

“We are happy to have these kind of players in our squad that bring quality and personality and he knows about the level of Chelsea and the pressure of Chelsea.

“That’s important for the rest of the team.

“I am very happy about him because you know if you are a player of Chelsea you have qualities.

“He missed minutes to play and he got the possibility to play for us.

“I am very happy because in a very fast way he adapts to the way of playing, to the ambition of the club.

“Ok, Clyney scored last Tuesday and Ryan scored today and that’s important for the team.

“It’s not always about the attackers, we need more, and we have had different players who have scored this season. That makes the team very strong.”

Koeman always believed that Bertrand was capable of the level he is currently attaining, and that he just needed games in which to prove himself.

“He’s not better than I expected, I expected these kind of qualities, only he has to play every weekend,” reflected Koeman.

“Now he plays every weekend that makes him stronger and more confident in that.

“I am not surprised because we spoke with the people in the club and the possibilities after Shaw left.

“We needed a player in that position. We had some possibilities and Ryan was one of them.

“If you are a player of Chelsea that means that you have good quality.

“He missed the regular playing of games and I like him as a player because he’s an offensive left full back.

“From the first time he adapted to the team on a good way and he showed his qualities.”